How Many Calories in Shrimp? Nutrition Facts & Macros
A serving of shrimp (85g) has 72 calories
Protein 17.1g · Carbs 0g · Fat 0.4g
Shrimp is one of the leanest protein sources available — delivering 20 grams of protein per 100 grams with almost no fat or carbohydrates. It's low in calories, rich in selenium, and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Whether grilled, steamed, or stir-fried, shrimp is a versatile protein for any diet plan. Here's everything about shrimp calories and macros, based on USDA data. Raw shrimp is about 78% water, with protein making up the vast majority of its dry weight.
356 kJ · per 100g · Water: 78.4 g
Calorie Calculator: Shrimp (Raw)
85 g Shrimp (Raw) contains 72 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serving (~12 medium) | 72 kcal | 17.1g | 0g | 0.4g |
| 6 large shrimp | 36 kcal | 8.4g | 0g | 0.2g |
| 100 grams | 85 kcal | 20.1g | 0g | 0.5g |
Shrimp (Raw) — Nutrition Facts
| Shrimp (Raw) | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 20.1 g |
| Fat | 0.51 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 119 mg |
| Potassium | 264 mg |
| Water | 78.4 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 175179) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Raw shrimp
85 kcal per 100g — the baseline. 78% water, 20.1g protein. Best for sashimi-style preparations.
Steamed/boiled
99 kcal per 100g cooked — slightly concentrated due to water loss. Cooking increases protein density to ~24g/100g. Healthiest preparation method.
Breaded and fried
242 kcal per 100g — nearly 3x the calories of raw due to breading and oil absorption. 12g fat, 11g carbs added from coating.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Shrimp is one of the most weight-loss-friendly proteins at just 85 kcal per 100 g with 20.1 g of protein and only 0.51 g of fat. The protein-to-calorie ratio is among the highest of any food — 23.6 g of protein per 100 kcal. A generous 150 g serving delivers 30 g of protein for only 128 kcal. Zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. Avoid breaded and fried preparations which triple the calorie count.
For Athletic Performance
Shrimp delivers 20.1 g of complete protein per 100 g for muscle repair at only 85 kcal — the most protein-efficient animal source by calories. Contains 264 mg of potassium per 100 g for electrolyte support. The ultra-low fat content (0.51 g) means rapid digestion, making shrimp an excellent post-workout protein. Pair with rice or sweet potato for complete recovery nutrition.
For Keto
Perfectly keto-compatible — shrimp has 0 g of net carbs per 100 g with 20.1 g of protein and only 0.51 g of fat. As an extremely lean protein, you'll need to add fat sources (butter, olive oil, avocado) to meet ketogenic macronutrient ratios. Shrimp sautéed in butter with garlic is a classic keto meal. Avoid breaded preparations which add 10+ g of carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in shrimp?
Raw shrimp contains 85 calories per 100g. A typical serving (85g, about 12 medium shrimp) has approximately 72 calories. Six large shrimp (~42g) have about 36 calories. Shrimp is one of the lowest-calorie animal protein sources, with virtually all calories coming from protein (20.1g per 100g).
How much protein is in shrimp?
Raw shrimp contains 20.1g of protein per 100g — comparable to chicken breast on a per-calorie basis. A serving of 85g provides about 17.1g of complete protein. Shrimp protein contains all essential amino acids, making it excellent for muscle building and recovery.
Is shrimp good for weight loss?
Shrimp is exceptional for weight loss. At only 85 calories per 100g with 20.1g of protein and nearly zero fat (0.51g), it has one of the highest protein-to-calorie ratios of any food. Protein promotes strong satiety and has a high thermic effect. You can eat a large 150g serving for just 128 calories with 30g of protein.
Is shrimp high in cholesterol?
Yes, shrimp contains 161mg of cholesterol per 100g — higher than most meats. However, current research indicates that dietary cholesterol has minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most people. The American Heart Association no longer sets a specific daily cholesterol limit. Shrimp's extremely low saturated fat content (0.1g/100g) is more relevant for heart health.
Shrimp vs chicken breast — which is better?
Per 100g: shrimp has 85 kcal, 20.1g protein, 0.51g fat; chicken breast has 151 kcal, 30.5g protein, 3.2g fat. Per calorie, shrimp delivers more protein — 23.6g protein per 100 kcal vs 20.2g for chicken. Shrimp is leaner but chicken provides more absolute protein per serving. Both are excellent — choose based on your calorie and protein goals.
How many carbs are in shrimp?
Shrimp contains 0g of carbohydrates per 100g — completely carb-free. This makes it ideal for low-carb, keto, and Atkins diets. All of shrimp's calories come from protein (94%) and a tiny amount of fat (6%).
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp (Raw) | 85 | 20.1g | 0g | 0.51g |
| Tuna (Canned in Water) | 116 | 25.51g | 0g | 0.82g |
| Salmon (Wild Atlantic) | 142 | 19.84g | 0g | 6.34g |
| Chicken Breast | 151 | 30.54g | 0g | 3.17g |
| Egg | 143 | 12.6g | 0.72g | 9.51g |
per 100g
Per 100g, raw shrimp has 85 kcal with 20.1g protein — leaner than chicken breast (151 kcal, 30.5g protein per 100g) when comparing per-calorie protein density. Shrimp has less than 1g of fat, making it one of the leanest animal proteins available.